Potatoes Romanoff

Potatoes Romanoff is one of those timeless comfort dishes that never fails to impress. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a fantastic side dish that elevates any meal—especially when you want something a little indulgent. Originally made famous by steakhouses, this dish has made its way into home kitchens for good reason. It uses simple ingredients like baked potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to create a creamy casserole that’s packed with texture and flavor. Think of it as the grown-up, ultra-savory version of mashed potatoes—with a little crunch and a lot of cheese.

Why You’ll Love Potatoes Romanoff

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or looking for the perfect potluck side, this recipe delivers every time. Here’s why:

Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish has roots in fine dining but is easy enough to recreate in your own kitchen.

Perfect Texture: Fluffy baked potatoes combined with creamy sour cream and gooey melted cheese make every bite satisfying.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake it when you’re ready, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and rich—everything you want in a comforting potato dish.

Minimal Ingredients, Big Flavor: Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients in Potatoes Romanoff

Let’s break down the few simple ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:

Russet Potatoes: The star of the show. You’ll want to bake them a day ahead for best texture and flavor.

Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a bit of tang that balances the richness of the dish.

Shallots: Mild and slightly sweet, they add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold, cheesy punch and melty texture.

Butter: A little goes a long way in adding richness and moisture.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient quantities and instructions are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1 – Bake the Potatoes (Ahead of Time):
Scrub and pierce your russet potatoes, then bake at 400°F (200°C) until fork-tender (about 1 hour). Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. Cold potatoes are easier to grate and give a better texture.

Step 2 – Prep the Mixture:
Peel the cold potatoes and coarsely grate them using a box grater. In a large bowl, gently mix the grated potatoes with sour cream, finely chopped shallots, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden finish.

Step 4 – Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5 – Serve Hot:
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then dig in!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (includes baking and cooling potatoes)

How to Serve Potatoes Romanoff

This dish is versatile enough to serve with a variety of mains. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Steak or grilled meats
• Roast chicken or turkey
• Grilled vegetables
• Pork chops
• A leafy green salad for balance

Serve it as a holiday side or as the star of a comfort food dinner. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit.

Additional Tips

• Use cold, baked potatoes: This helps maintain texture and avoids a mushy casserole.
• Shallots substitute: Don’t have shallots? Use sweet onions or green onions instead.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in crispy bacon, chives, or a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it when ready to serve.
• Cheese options: Sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or even Swiss cheese all work great here.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use red or Yukon Gold potatoes instead?
You can, but russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and bake up fluffy.

2. Can I freeze Potatoes Romanoff?
Yes. Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.

3. What’s the difference between Potatoes Romanoff and scalloped potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are made with sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce. Potatoes Romanoff uses grated baked potatoes for a more textured, fluffy result.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! It will add a slightly tangier flavor but still deliver a creamy texture.

5. Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The oven keeps it crispier.

6. How do I avoid it getting watery?
Use cold, baked potatoes and avoid over-mixing. That keeps everything light and fluffy.

Conclusion

Potatoes Romanoff is a standout dish that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavor. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for a special dinner or just want to elevate your weekday meal, this cheesy, creamy casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you can bring a restaurant-style favorite straight to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Print